Sheldon Clark Reed

Reed Sheldon Clark Reed died on February 1, 2003 after 92 years of loving and productive life. He was born on November 7, 1910 in Barre, Vermont. He graduated from Dartmouth College and earned his Ph.D. at Harvard University in 1936. He taught at McGill University, and at Harvard University and was a civilian scientific adviser to the British Admiralty during World War II. He came to Minnesota in 1948 to become head of the Dight Institute at the University of Minnesota. He founded the field of genetic counseling and taught and conducted research in general and human genetics. After his retirement he turned his energy to helping many Hmong refugees to settle in the US. He began learning the Hmong language at age 70 and taught many people to read both the English and Hmong languages. In his late eighties he left St. Paul for the friendly and supportive environment of Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills. In 1946 he married Elizabeth Wagner Beasley and became stepfather to John Beasley and then father to Catherine Reed and William Reed. Sheldon and Elizabeth coauthored many scientific books and papers, gave ballroom dance performances and sang together in church choirs. He specialized in African violets and she planted native wildflowers. Sheldon cared for Elizabeth through a long illness until her death in 1996. In addition to John, Cathy and Will, Sheldon is survived by his sister Arlene Bergwall of Williamsville, New York, and grandchildren Matt and Elizabeth Beasley, Ben, Alex and Julia Westhoff, and Avery Reed. We will work to continue his tradition of enthusiasm, search for truth, and kindness and generosity to others. A memorial service for Sheldon and Elizabeth will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 10 am at St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Literacy Council, 756 Transfer Road, St. Paul 55114.

Published on February 2, 2003